U.S. patent number 10,690,096 [Application Number 16/268,629] was granted by the patent office on 2020-06-23 for filter module and fuel pump module utilizing same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to DENSO CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is DENSO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Norihiro Hayashi.
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United States Patent |
10,690,096 |
Hayashi |
June 23, 2020 |
Filter module and fuel pump module utilizing same
Abstract
A suction filter includes a filter screen and a filter opening
portion while the filter opening portion communicates between a
cavity and an outside of the filter screen. A connector includes: a
connector main body, which is shaped into a tubular form; a
connector inlet, which is connected to the filter opening portion;
a connector outlet, which is connected to a suction inlet of a fuel
pump; and a connector opening portion, which communicates between
an inside and an outside of the connector main body. A jet pump
includes: a jet pump main body, which is shaped into a tubular
form; a jet pump inlet, which is connected to the connector opening
portion; a jet pump outlet, which is formed at the other end of the
jet pump main body; and a jet nozzle, which discharges the fuel
from a nozzle outlet toward the jet pump outlet.
Inventors: |
Hayashi; Norihiro (Kariya,
Aichi-pref, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DENSO CORPORATION |
Kariya, Aichi-pref |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
DENSO CORPORATION (Kariya,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
61246131 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/268,629 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190170097 A1 |
Jun 6, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/JP2017/030444 |
Aug 25, 2017 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 26, 2016 [JP] |
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2016-165504 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02M
37/50 (20190101); F02B 37/025 (20130101); F02M
37/10 (20130101); Y02T 10/12 (20130101); F02M
37/34 (20190101) |
Current International
Class: |
F02M
37/10 (20060101); F02M 37/50 (20190101); F02B
37/02 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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102007018819 |
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Oct 2008 |
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DE |
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0 918 926 |
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Jun 1999 |
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EP |
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3-73662 |
|
Jul 1991 |
|
JP |
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2008155890 |
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Jul 2008 |
|
JP |
|
4200346 |
|
Dec 2008 |
|
JP |
|
2011153600 |
|
Aug 2011 |
|
JP |
|
2014-62493 |
|
Apr 2014 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Zaleskas; John M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation application of International
Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/030444 filed on Aug. 25, 2017,
which designated the U.S. and claims the benefit of priority from
Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-165504 filed on Aug. 26, 2016.
The entire disclosures of all of the above applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A filter module to be installed to a fuel pump that is
configured to supply fuel from an inside of a fuel tank to an
internal combustion engine while the filter module is configured to
filter the fuel, the filter module comprising: a suction filter
that includes: a filter screen that forms a cavity in an inside of
the filter screen and is configured to pass fuel and air through
the filter screen between the cavity and an outside of the filter
screen; and a filter opening portion that is formed at the filter
screen and communicates between the cavity and the outside of the
filter screen; a connector that includes: a connector main body,
which is shaped into a tubular form; a connector inlet, which is
formed at one end of the connector main body and is connected to
the filter opening portion; a connector outlet, which is formed at
another end of the connector main body and is connected to a
suction inlet of the fuel pump; and a connector opening portion,
which communicates between an inside and an outside of the
connector main body; and a jet pump that includes: a jet pump main
body, which is shaped into a tubular form; a jet pump inlet, which
is formed at one end of the jet pump main body and is connected to
the connector opening portion; a jet pump outlet, which is formed
at another end of the jet pump main body; and a jet nozzle, which
includes a nozzle outlet placed in an inside of the jet pump main
body while the jet nozzle is configured to discharge the fuel from
the nozzle outlet toward the jet pump outlet.
2. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein in a state where
the filter module is installed to the fuel pump, the jet pump inlet
is vertically positioned on an upper side of an axis of the suction
inlet of the fuel pump.
3. The filter module according to claim 2, wherein the jet pump
outlet is vertically positioned on a lower side of the axis of the
suction inlet of the fuel pump.
4. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein: the jet pump
includes a nozzle inlet that is communicated with the nozzle
outlet; and the nozzle inlet is connected to a fuel passage that
connects between a discharge outlet of the fuel pump and the
internal combustion engine.
5. The filter module according to claim 4, wherein the nozzle inlet
is connected to an outlet of a pressure regulator that is
configured to maintain a pressure of the fuel passage at a
predetermined value, and the nozzle inlet is connected to the fuel
passage through the pressure regulator.
6. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein: the jet pump
includes a nozzle inlet that is communicated with the nozzle
outlet; and the nozzle inlet is connected to a discharge outlet of
the fuel pump at a location that is on the fuel pump side of a
pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator is configured to
maintain a pressure of a fuel passage, which connects between the
discharge outlet of the fuel pump and the internal combustion
engine, at a predetermined value.
7. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein: the jet pump
includes a nozzle inlet that is communicated with the nozzle
outlet; and the nozzle inlet is connected to a vapor outlet hole
that is configured to discharge vapor generated in a pump chamber
of the fuel pump.
8. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein the jet pump
includes a venturi tube that is located between the jet pump outlet
and the nozzle outlet placed in the inside of the jet pump main
body while the venturi tube has an inner diameter that is smaller
than an inner diameter of the jet pump main body.
9. The filter module according to claim 8, wherein the nozzle
outlet and the venturi tube are coaxial to each other.
10. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein in a state
where the filter module is installed to the fuel pump, the jet pump
outlet is vertically positioned on an upper side of the suction
filter.
11. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein in a state
where the filter module is installed to the fuel pump, the jet pump
inlet is vertically positioned on an upper side of a horizontal
plane that extends through the connector outlet.
12. The filter module according to claim 11, wherein: the connector
main body includes a bent portion while the bent portion is bent
and is placed between the connector inlet and the connector outlet;
and the connector opening portion is formed at the bent
portion.
13. The filter module according to claim 1, wherein in a state
where the filter module is installed to the fuel pump, the jet pump
inlet is vertically positioned on an upper side of a horizontal
plane that passes the filter opening portion.
14. The filter module according to claim 13, wherein the jet pump
inlet and the filter opening portion are coaxial to each other.
15. The filter module according to claim 1, further comprising a
check valve that is placed in the inside of the jet pump main body,
wherein the check valve enables a flow of the fuel from the jet
pump inlet side toward the jet pump outlet side and limits a flow
of the fuel from the jet pump outlet side toward the jet pump inlet
side.
16. The filter module according to claim 1, further comprising a
hose that connects between the connector opening portion and the
jet pump inlet.
17. The filter module according to claim 1, further comprising a
trapping filter that is placed between the connector opening
portion and the connector outlet in the inside of the connector
main body and is configured to trap air contained in the fuel.
18. The filter module according to claim 1, further comprising a
plate portion that is placed between the connector opening portion
and the connector outlet in the inside of the connector main body,
wherein: in a state where the filter module is installed to the
fuel pump, the plate portion vertically downwardly tilts from an
end part of the connector opening portion, which is located on the
connector outlet side.
19. The filter module according to claim 1, further comprising a
limiter valve that is placed adjacent to the connector inlet,
wherein the limiter valve enables a flow of the fuel from the
cavity side toward the connector outlet side and limits a flow of
the fuel from the connector outlet side toward the cavity side.
20. A fuel pump module comprising: the filter module of claim 1;
and the fuel pump that includes the suction inlet while the suction
inlet is configured to suction the fuel and is connected to the
connector outlet, wherein: the suction filter is shaped into a
planar form; the fuel pump is shaped into an elongated form and is
placed such that a longitudinal direction of the fuel pump is
parallel to a direction of a plane of the suction filter.
21. The fuel pump module according to claim 20, wherein in a state
where the fuel pump module is placed in the inside of the fuel
tank, the fuel pump is vertically positioned on an upper side of
the suction filter.
22. The fuel pump module according to claim 20, wherein: in a state
where the fuel pump module is placed in the inside of the fuel
tank, the suction filter is placed such that a direction of the
plane of the suction filter is along a horizontal direction; and
the fuel pump is placed such that the longitudinal direction of the
fuel pump is along the horizontal direction.
23. The fuel pump module according to claim 20, wherein the jet
nozzle and the jet pump outlet are placed such that an axis of the
jet nozzle and an axis of the jet pump outlet are parallel to the
longitudinal direction of the fuel pump.
24. The fuel pump module according to claim 20, further comprising
a wall portion, wherein in a state where the fuel pump module is
placed in the inside of the fuel tank, the wall portion is
vertically positioned on an upper side of the suction filter and is
located along an axis of the jet pump outlet.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a filter module and a fuel pump
module utilizing the same.
BACKGROUND
Previously, there is known a filter module to be installed to a
fuel pump that is configured to supply fuel from an inside of a
fuel tank to an internal combustion engine while the filter module
is configured to filter the fuel.
SUMMARY
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a filter
module to be installed to a fuel pump that is configured to supply
fuel from an inside of a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine
while the filter module is configured to filter the fuel. The
filter module includes a suction filter, a connector and a jet
pump. The suction filter includes a filter screen that forms a
cavity in an inside of the filter screen and is configured to pass
the fuel and air through the filter screen between the cavity and
an outside of the filter screen. The connector connects between the
suction filter and the fuel pump. The jet pump is connected to the
connector and is configured to discharge fuel from a nozzle
outlet.
According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a fuel
pump module that includes the filter module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present disclosure, together with additional objectives,
features and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the
following description in view of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module and a fuel
pump module according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of the filter
module and its adjacent area according to the first embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 3A is a plan view of a filter module and a fuel pump module
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3B is a view taken in a direction of an arrow IIIB in FIG.
3A;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a filter module and a fuel
pump module according to a third embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of the filter
module and its adjacent area according to the third embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of a filter
module and its adjacent area according to a fourth embodiment of
the present disclosure; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of a filter
module and its adjacent area according to a fifth embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Previously, there is known a filter module to be installed to a
fuel pump that is configured to supply fuel from an inside of a
fuel tank to an internal combustion engine while the filter module
is configured to filter the fuel. For example, a previously
proposed filter module is installed to a fuel pump that is
installed in an inside of a fuel tank of a vehicle. This filter
module includes a suction filter and a jet pump. In this filter
module, an inlet of the jet pump is placed at an upper part of a
cavity of the suction filter, and the fuel, which contains air
present at the upper part of the cavity, is suctioned by the jet
pump to limit suctioning of the air into the fuel pump.
In this filter module, the jet pump is provided to suction the air
held in the inside of the suction filter, and the inlet of the jet
pump is placed at a location that is different from a location of a
suction inlet of the fuel pump. Therefore, the fuel pump suctions
the fuel from the suction inlet only by a negative pressure
generated by driving, for example, an impeller. Thereby, the
negative pressure, which is exerted at the suction inlet of the
fuel pump, is small, and the fuel suction amount, which is the
amount of fuel that can be suctioned by the fuel pump per unit
time, is small.
When the vehicle turns or accelerates or decelerates in a state
where the amount of fuel in the fuel tank is small, the fuel may be
forced to deviate to one side in the fuel tank. In the fuel pump,
in which the above-described filter module is installed, the
negative pressure, which is exerted at the suction inlet of the
fuel pump, is insufficient, so that it is difficult to reliably
suction the fuel, which remains in the cavity of the suction
filter. Therefore, there is a possibility of that the amount of
fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine becomes
insufficient at the time of turning the vehicle or the time of
accelerating or decelerating the vehicle.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a filter module to be installed to a fuel pump that is
configured to supply fuel from an inside of a fuel tank to an
internal combustion engine while the filter module is configured to
filter the fuel. The filter module includes a suction filter, a
connector and a jet pump.
The suction filter includes: a filter screen that forms a cavity in
an inside of the filter screen and is configured to pass the fuel
and air through the filter screen between the cavity and an outside
of the filter screen; and a filter opening portion that is formed
at the filter screen and communicates between the cavity and the
outside of the filter screen. The suction filter filters the fuel
that passes through the filter screen.
The connector includes: a connector main body, which is shaped into
a tubular form; a connector inlet, which is formed at one end of
the connector main body and is connected to the filter opening
portion; a connector outlet, which is formed at another end of the
connector main body and is connected to a suction inlet of the fuel
pump; and a connector opening portion, which communicates between
an inside and an outside of the connector main body. The connector
connects between the suction filter and the fuel pump and conducts
the fuel, which is present in the cavity, to the fuel pump through
the connector inlet, the connector main body and the connector
outlet.
The jet pump includes: a jet pump main body, which is shaped into a
tubular form; a jet pump inlet, which is formed at one end of the
jet pump main body and is connected to the connector opening
portion; a jet pump outlet, which is formed at another end of the
jet pump main body; and a jet nozzle, which includes a nozzle
outlet placed in an inside of the jet pump main body while the jet
nozzle is configured to discharge the fuel from the nozzle outlet
toward the jet pump outlet.
In the jet pump, when the fuel is discharged from the nozzle outlet
of the jet nozzle, a negative pressure is generated between the
nozzle outlet and the jet pump inlet to generate a flow of fluid
from the connector main body to the jet pump outlet side through
the jet pump inlet and the jet pump main body. At this time, the
negative pressure, which is generated between the nozzle outlet and
the jet pump inlet, is applied to the connector inlet. Therefore,
the negative pressure, which is generated by the fuel pump, and the
negative pressure, which is generated by the jet pump, are exerted
at the connector inlet. In this way, the fuel suction amount of the
fuel pump can be increased.
Thus, in a case where the filter module and the fuel pump are
installed in the inside of the fuel tank of the vehicle, even when
the fuel in the fuel tank deviates toward one side at the time of
turning the vehicle or the time of accelerating or decelerating the
vehicle in the state where the fuel in the fuel tank is relatively
small, the fuel, which remains in the cavity of the suction filter,
can be more reliably suctioned into the fuel pump to provide the
sufficient amount of fuel to the internal combustion engine.
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the drawings. In the following
embodiments, substantially identical parts are indicated by the
same reference signs and will not be described redundantly for the
sake of simplicity.
First Embodiment
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a filter module and a fuel pump module according
to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
The fuel pump module 6 is placed in an inside of a fuel tank 3 of a
vehicle 1. The fuel tank 3 stores, for example, gasoline as fuel. A
tank opening portion 4 is positioned at an upper side of the fuel
tank 3 in the vertical direction. The tank opening portion 4 is
closed with a cover 5.
The fuel pump module 6 suctions the fuel stored in the fuel tank 3
and discharges the suctioned fuel to an internal combustion engine
(hereinafter referred to as an engine) 2, which serves as a fuel
supply subject.
The fuel pump module 6 includes a fuel pump 7 and a filter module
8.
The fuel pump 7 includes a suction inlet 21, a discharge outlet 22,
a pump chamber 23, an impeller 24 and a vapor outlet hole 25. The
fuel pump 7 pressurizes the suctioned fuel in the pump chamber 23
upon suctioning of the fuel through the suction inlet 21. The fuel,
which is discharged from the discharge outlet 22, is supplied to
the engine 2.
In the fuel pump 7, the impeller 24, which is placed in the pump
chamber 23, is rotated by an electric motor (not shown) to
pressurize the fuel in the pump chamber 23.
The vapor outlet hole 25 connects between the pump chamber 23 and
an outside of the fuel pump 7. Thereby, the vapor, which is
generated in the pump chamber 23 or is drawn into the pump chamber
23, can be discharged to the outside along with the fuel through
the vapor outlet hole 25 (see FIG. 2).
In the present embodiment, a pressure regulator 11 is placed
between the discharge outlet 22 of the fuel pump 7 and the engine
2.
The pressure regulator 11 has an inlet 111 and an outlet 112. The
inlet 111 of the pressure regulator 11 is connected to a fuel
passage 15 that extends between the discharge outlet 22 of the fuel
pump 7 and the engine 2. When the pressure of the fuel at the inlet
111 of the pressure regulator 11 becomes equal to or larger than a
predetermined value, the fuel at the inlet 111 outflows from the
outlet 112 side. Thereby, the pressure of the fuel at the inlet 111
of the pressure regulator 11, i.e., the pressure of the fuel to be
supplied to the engine 2 is kept at the predetermined value.
The filter module 8 includes a suction filter 40, a connector 60, a
jet pump 80, a check valve 91 and a limiter valve 94.
The suction filter 40 includes a filter screen 41 and a skeletal
member 42.
The filter screen 41 is formed by folding a sheet of nonwoven
fabric and joining peripheral edge parts of the folded sheet
together. A cavity 410, which is a planar space, is formed in an
inside of the filter screen 41. The fuel and the air can pass
through the filter screen 41 between the cavity 410 and the outside
of the filter screen 41. The filter screen 41 captures foreign
objects contained in the fuel, which passes through the filter
screen 41 from the outside of the filter screen 41 to the cavity
410.
In the present embodiment, the filter screen 41 is made into a
planar form having, for example, a rectangular shape. Furthermore,
the filter screen 41 is formed such that a pore size of the filter
screen 41 is progressively reduced from the outer side to the inner
side of the filter screen 41.
A filter opening portion 411 is formed at the filter screen 41. The
filter opening portion 411 is formed to communicate between the
cavity 410 and the outside. In the present embodiment, the filter
opening portion 411 is formed in the filter screen 41 at a location
that is remote from the center of the filter screen 41, i.e., is
decentered from the center of the filter screen 41 (see FIG. 1).
Therefore, a distance between a connector inlet 64 and an end part
of the cavity 410 of the filter screen 41 is relatively long.
As shown in FIG. 2, the skeletal member 42 is placed in the cavity
410. The skeletal member 42 is made of, for example, resin. The
skeletal member 42 includes a skeletal member main body 421, a
plurality of leg portions 422, an opening portion 423, a valve seat
424, a tubular portion 425 and a clamping portion 426.
The skeletal member main body 421 is formed into, for example, a
plate form. The leg portions 422 extend from a surface of the
skeletal member main body 421 toward an inner surface of the filter
screen 41. The plurality of leg portions 422 is formed. Thereby, it
is ensured that a volume of the cavity 410 of the filter screen 41
is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.
The opening portion 423 extends through the skeletal member main
body 421 in a plate thickness direction of the skeletal member main
body 421 at the location that corresponds to the location of the
filter opening portion 411.
The valve seat 424 is formed at a surface of the skeletal member
main body 421, which is opposite from the leg portions 422, such
that the valve seat 424 is in a ring form and extends around the
opening portion 423.
The tubular portion 425, which is in s substantially cylindrical
tubular form, extends from an outer peripheral part of the valve
seat 424 toward an opposite side that is opposite from the leg
portions 422. Here, the tubular portion 425 is placed in the inside
of the filter opening portion 411.
The clamping portion 426 is in a ring form and is formed around the
tubular portion 425.
The suction filter 40 filters the fuel that passes through the
filter screen 41.
In the present embodiment, the fuel pump module 6 includes a case
50.
The case 50 includes an upper case 51 and a lower case 52. The
upper case 51 and the lower case 52 are made of, for example, resin
and are respectively shaped into a substantially dish form.
The case 50 is placed such that an outer peripheral part of the
filter screen 41 is clamped between an outer peripheral part of the
upper case 51 at an opening 423 portion side and an outer
peripheral part of the lower case 52 at the opening portion 423
side. Thereby, a space 500 is formed between the upper case 51 and
the lower case 52. The suction filter 40 is placed in the space 500
at the inside of the case 50.
A case opening portion 511 is formed at the upper case 51. The case
opening portion 511 is formed at a bottom portion of the upper case
51 to communicate between an inside and an outside of the upper
case 51 at a location that corresponds to the filter opening
portion 411.
A plurality of holes 521 and a plurality of projections 522 are
formed at the lower case 52.
The holes 521 penetrate through a bottom portion of the lower case
52 in a direction of a plate thickness of the bottom portion of the
lower case 52. The projections 522 project from the bottom portion
of the lower case 52 toward an opposite side that is opposite from
the suction filter 40.
The case 50 is placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3 such that
the projections 522 contact the bottom portion of the fuel tank 3.
Therefore, a gap, which has a size corresponding to a height of the
projections 522, is formed between the bottom portion of the lower
case 52 and the bottom portion of the fuel tank 3. Thereby, the
fuel at the bottom portion of the fuel tank 3 can flow into the
space 500 through this gap and the holes 521.
A support portion 12 is formed at the upper case 51. The support
portion 12 supports the fuel pump 7.
The connector 60 includes a connector main body 61, the connector
inlet 64, a connector outlet 65 and a connector opening portion
66.
The connector main body 61 is made of, for example, resin and is
shaped into a tubular form. The connector main body 61 includes
main bodies 62, 63.
The main body 62 is shaped into a substantially cylindrical tubular
form. The connector inlet 64 is formed at one end part of the main
body 62. The clamping portion 621 is formed at the main body 62.
The clamping portion 621 is shaped into a ring form such that the
clamping portion 621 extends radially outward from the one end part
of the main body 62.
The main body 62 is formed integrally with the suction filter 40
such that an inner wall of one end part of the main body 62, i.e.,
the connector inlet 64 is fitted to an outer wall of the tubular
portion 425 of the skeletal member 42. In this way, the connector
inlet 64 is joined to the filter opening portion 411. A peripheral
part of the filter opening portion 411 of the filter screen 41 is
clamped between the clamping portion 426 of the skeletal member 42
and a clamping portion 621 of the connector main body 61. The main
body 62 is placed on an inner side of the case opening portion
511.
The main body 63 is shaped into a substantially L-shape tubular
form. The main body 63 includes a bent portion 67 that is bent. In
the present embodiment, the bent portion 67 is bent at a generally
right angle.
One end part of the main body 63 is joined to an opposite end part
of the main body 62, which is opposite from the connector inlet 64.
The connector outlet 65 is formed at the other end part of the main
body 63. The connector outlet 65 is joined to the suction inlet 21
of the fuel pump 7.
The connector opening portion 66 is formed at the bent portion 67
such that the connector opening portion 66 communicates between an
inside and an outside of the main body 63.
A tubular portion 631, which is in a substantially cylindrical
tubular form, extends from a peripheral part of the connector
opening portion 66. The tubular portion 631 is coaxial with the
main body 62. Here, the term "coaxial" is not necessarily limited
to the case where the axes precisely coincide with each other, but
may also refer to a case where the axes slightly deviate from each
other. The above discussion with respect to the term "coaxial"
should be equally applied whenever the term "coaxial" is used in
the following description.
The connector 60 guides the fuel, which is present in the cavity
410 of the suction filter 40, to the fuel pump 7 through the
connector inlet 64, the connector main body 61 and the connector
outlet 65.
The jet pump 80 includes a jet pump main body 81, a jet pump inlet
84, a jet pump outlet 85, a jet nozzle 86 and a venturi tube
87.
The jet pump main body 81 is made of, for example, resin and is
shaped into a tubular form. The jet pump main body 81 includes main
bodies 82, 83. The main body 82 and the main body 83 are joined
together to form the jet pump main body 81, which is shaped into a
substantially U-shape tubular form.
More specifically, the main body 82 includes an inlet tubular
portion 821, an outlet tubular portion 822 and a connecting portion
823. The inlet tubular portion 821 and the outlet tubular portion
822 are respectively shaped into a substantially cylindrical
tubular form and are parallel to each other. The connecting portion
823 joins between an end part of the inlet tubular portion 821 and
an end part of the outlet tubular portion 822. The main body 83 is
joined to the connecting portion 823 of the main body 82.
The jet pump inlet 84 is formed at an opposite end part of the
inlet tubular portion 821, which is opposite from the connecting
portion 823, i.e., is formed at one end part of the jet pump main
body 81. The jet pump main body 81 is formed such that an outer
wall of the one end part of the jet pump main body 81 is fitted to
an inner wall of the tubular portion 631 of the connector 60. In
this way, the jet pump inlet 84 is joined to the connector opening
portion 66.
The jet pump outlet 85 is formed at the other end part of the
outlet tubular portion 822, which is opposite from the connecting
portion 823, i.e., is formed at the other end part of the jet pump
main body 81. In the present embodiment, the opposite end part of
the outlet tubular portion 822, which is opposite from the
connecting portion 823, and the jet pump outlet 85 are placed on
the inner side of the case opening portion 511 of the upper case
51.
The jet nozzle 86 is made of, for example, resin and is formed
integrally with the main body 83 of the jet pump main body 81 in
one piece. The jet nozzle 86 is formed such that an inner diameter
of the jet nozzle 86 is progressively reduced from one end side
toward the other end side of the jet nozzle 86. The jet nozzle 86
includes a nozzle inlet 861 and a nozzle outlet 862. The nozzle
inlet 861 is formed at one end of the jet nozzle 86. The nozzle
outlet 862 is formed at the other end of the jet nozzle 86. Here,
the nozzle outlet 862 is placed in an inside of the outlet tubular
portion 822, i.e., is placed in an inside of the connector main
body 61.
A fuel passage 16 connects between the nozzle inlet 861 and the
outlet 112 of the pressure regulator 11. Therefore, the fuel, which
outflows from the outlet 112 of the pressure regulator 11, flows
into the jet nozzle 86. Thereby, the fuel is discharged from the
nozzle outlet 862. Here, the jet nozzle 86 discharges the fuel from
the nozzle outlet 862 toward the jet pump outlet 85 side.
In the jet pump 80, when the fuel is discharged from the nozzle
outlet 862 of the jet nozzle 86, a negative pressure is generated
between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84 to guide
the fluid from the connector main body 61 to the jet pump outlet 85
side through the jet pump inlet 84 and the jet pump main body 81.
At this time, the negative pressure, which is generated between the
nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84, is applied to the
connector inlet 64. Therefore, the negative pressure, which is
generated by the fuel pump 7, and the negative pressure, which is
generated by the jet pump 80, are applied to the connector inlet
64.
The venturi tube 87 is made of, for example, resin and is formed
integrally with the main body 82 in one piece in a tubular form.
The venturi tube 87 is formed between the nozzle outlet 862, which
is placed in the inside of the jet pump main body 81, and the jet
pump outlet 85, i.e., the venturi tube 87 is formed in the inside
of the outlet tubular portion 822. An inner diameter of the venturi
tube 87 is smaller than an inner diameter of the outlet tubular
portion 822, i.e., an inner diameter of the jet pump main body 81.
Therefore, a flow of the fuel, which is discharged from the nozzle
outlet 862 of the jet nozzle 86, is restricted by the venturi tube
87. Thereby, the negative pressure generating effect can be
generated between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet
84.
The check valve 91 is placed in the inside of the jet pump main
body 81. More specifically, the check valve 91 is placed between
the jet pump inlet 84 and the nozzle outlet 862 in the inside of
the jet pump main body 81. The check valve 91 includes a seat
portion 911 and a shaft portion 912. The seat portion 911 is shaped
into a hemispherical form. The shaft portion 912, which is in a
substantially cylindrical form, extends from an opposite surface of
the seat portion 911, which is opposite from the spherical
surface.
A valve seat portion 92 and a support portion 93 are formed in the
inside of the jet pump main body 81.
The valve seat portion 92 is shaped into a substantially circular
disk form, and an outer peripheral part of the valve seat portion
92 is fitted to an inner wall of the jet pump main body 81. An
opening portion 921 is formed at a center of the valve seat portion
92. A valve seat 922, which is shaped into a ring form, is formed
around the opening portion 921 of the valve seat portion 92 on an
opposite side that is opposite from the jet pump inlet 84.
The support portion 93 is fitted to the inner wall of the jet pump
main body 81. The support portion 93 is slidable relative to the
shaft portion 912 of the check valve 91, and thereby the support
portion 93 supports the check valve 91 in a manner that enable
reciprocation of the check valve 91 in the axial direction. The
check valve 91 is liftable from the valve seat 922 through lifting
of the seat portion 911 from the valve seat 922 and is seatable
against the valve seat 922 through seating of the seat portion 911
against the valve seat 922.
When the seat portion 911 is lifted from the valve seat 922, the
check valve 91 enables the flow of the fuel from the jet pump inlet
84 side toward the jet pump outlet 85 side. In contrast, when the
seat portion 911 is seated against the valve seat 922, the check
valve 91 limits the flow of the fuel from the jet pump outlet 85
side toward the jet pump inlet 84.
A limiter valve 94 is placed at an inside of the tubular portion
425 of the skeletal member 42 of the suction filter 40, i.e., is
placed adjacent to the connector inlet 64. The limiter valve 94 is
made of, for example, rubber and is shaped into a substantially
circular disk form. An outer diameter of the limiter valve 94 is
larger than an inner diameter of the opening portion 423 of the
skeletal member 42. The limiter valve 94 is reciprocatable in the
axial direction at the inside of the tubular portion 425. An outer
peripheral part of a surface of the limiter valve 94, which is
located on one side, is liftable from and is seatable against the
valve seat 424 of the skeletal member 42.
When the limiter valve 94 is lifted from the valve seat 424, the
limiter valve 94 enables flow of the fuel from the cavity 410 of
the suction filter 40 toward the connector outlet 65. In contrast,
when the limiter valve 94 is seated against the valve seat 424, the
limiter valve 94 limit flow of the fuel from the connector outlet
65 side to the cavity 410.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the nozzle outlet
862 and the venturi tube 87 are coaxial to each other. In the
present embodiment, the jet nozzle 86, the nozzle inlet 861, the
nozzle outlet 862, the outlet tubular portion 822 and the venturi
tube 87 are arranged such that the axis of the jet nozzle 86, the
axis of the nozzle inlet 861, the axis of the nozzle outlet 862,
the axis of the outlet tubular portion 822 and the axis of the
venturi tube 87 coincide with the axis Ax1 of the jet pump outlet
85.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in a state where the filter
module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump outlet 85 is
vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction filter 40 in
the vertical direction.
In the present embodiment, in the state where the filter module 8
is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump inlet 84 is
vertically positioned on the upper side of a horizontal plane hp1,
which extends through an uppermost part of the connector outlet 65,
in the vertical direction.
In the present embodiment, in the state where the filter module 8
is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump inlet 84 is
vertically positioned on the upper side of an axis Ax2 of the
suction inlet 21 of the fuel pump 7 in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the
filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump inlet
84 is vertically positioned on the upper side of a horizontal plane
hp2, which passes the filter opening portion 411, in the vertical
direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jet pump inlet 84 and
the filter opening portion 411 are coaxially placed. In the present
embodiment, the filter opening portion 411, the tubular portion
425, the main body 62, the tubular portion 631 and the connector
opening portion 66 are coaxial with an axis Ax3 of the jet pump
inlet 84.
In the present embodiment, in the state where the filter module 8
is installed to the fuel pump 7, the axes Ax1, Ax3 extend in the
vertical direction, the axis Ax2 extends in the horizontal
direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the
filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the axis of the
inlet tubular portion 821 and the axis of the outlet tubular
portion 822 of the main body 82 extend in the vertical
direction.
Also, in the present embodiment, the suction filter 40 is shaped
into the planar form. The fuel pump 7 is shaped into an elongated
form. The fuel pump 7 is placed such that a longitudinal direction
of the fuel pump 7 is parallel to a direction of the plane of the
suction filter 40 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the fuel pump module 6
can be easily installed into the inside of the fuel tank 3 through
the tank opening portion 4, and the fuel pump module 6 can be
compactly placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3. The filter
opening portion 411 is formed in the filter screen 41 at the
location that is remote from the center of the filter screen 41,
i.e., is decentered from the center of the filter screen 41, so
that the distance between the connector inlet 64 and the end part
of the cavity 410 of the filter screen 41 becomes relatively
long.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the fuel
pump module 6 is placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3, the fuel
pump 7 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction
filter 40 in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the suction filter 40 is
placed such that the direction of the plane of the suction filter
40 is along the horizontal direction. The fuel pump 7 is placed
such that the longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7 is along
the horizontal direction.
Next, an operation of the fuel pump module 6 of the present
embodiment will be described.
When an electric power is supplied to the electric motor of the
fuel pump 7 by an electronic control unit (not shown), the impeller
24 is rotated. In this way, the fuel, which is present in the
connector 60, is suctioned into the pump chamber 23 through the
suction inlet 21. The fuel, which is pressurized in the pump
chamber 23, is discharged from the discharge outlet 22 and is
supplied to the engine 2 through the fuel passage 15.
When the pressure of the fuel in the inside of the fuel passage 15
becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the fuel
outflows from the pressure regulator 11 into the fuel passage 16.
Thereby, the fuel in the fuel passage 16 flows into the jet nozzle
86. Therefore, the fuel is discharged from the nozzle outlet 862
toward the jet pump outlet 85, and thereby the negative pressure is
generated between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84.
At this time, the negative pressure, which is generated at the fuel
pump 7, and the negative pressure, which is generated at the jet
pump 80, are applied to the connector inlet 64. In this way, the
fuel suction amount of the fuel pump 7 can be increased.
Thus, even when the fuel in the fuel tank 3 deviates toward one
side at the time of turning the vehicle 1 or the time of
accelerating or decelerating the vehicle 1 in the state where the
fuel in the fuel tank 3 is relatively small (see FIG. 1), the fuel,
which remains in the cavity 410 of the suction filter 40, can be
more reliably suctioned into the fuel pump 7 to provide the
sufficient amount of fuel to the engine 2.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the jet pump
outlet 85 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction
filter 40 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fuel, which is
discharged from the jet pump outlet 85, flows to or falls on the
upper part of the suction filter 40. Thus, the fuel, which is
discharged from the jet pump outlet 85, can be suctioned into the
cavity 410 once again through the suction filter 40.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the check valve
91 can limit flow of the fuel from the jet pump outlet 85 side to
the jet pump inlet 84 side.
Also, according to the present embodiment, the limiter valve 94 can
limit flow of the fuel from the connector outlet 65 side to the
cavity 410 side.
As discussed above, according to the present embodiment, there is
provided the filter module 8 that is configured to be installed to
the fuel pump 7 that supplies the fuel from the inside of the fuel
tank 3 to the engine 2, and the filter module 8 includes the
suction filter 40, the connector 60 and the jet pump 80.
The suction filter 40 includes: the filter screen 41 that forms the
cavity 410 in the inside of the filter screen 41 and is configured
to pass the fuel and the air through the filter screen 41 between
the cavity 410 and the outside of the filter screen 41; and the
filter opening portion 411 that is formed at the filter screen 41
and communicates between the cavity 410 and the outside of the
filter screen. The suction filter 40 filters the fuel that passes
through the filter screen 41.
The connector 60 includes: the connector main body 61, which is
shaped into the tubular form; the connector inlet 64, which is
formed at the one end of the connector main body 61 and is
connected to the filter opening portion 411; the connector outlet
65, which is formed at the other end of the connector main body 61
and is connected to the suction inlet 21 of the fuel pump 7; and
the connector opening portion 66, which communicates between the
inside and the outside of the connector main body 61. The connector
60 connects between the suction filter 40 and the fuel pump 7 and
conducts the fuel, which is present in the cavity 410, to the fuel
pump 7 through the connector inlet 64, the connector main body 61
and the connector outlet 65.
The jet pump 80 includes: the jet pump main body 81, which is
shaped into the tubular form; the jet pump inlet 84, which is
formed at one end of the jet pump main body 81 and is connected to
the connector opening portion 66; the jet pump outlet 85, which is
formed at the other end of the jet pump main body 81; and the jet
nozzle 86, which includes the nozzle outlet 862 placed in the
inside of the jet pump main body 81 while the jet nozzle 86 is
configured to discharge the fuel from the nozzle outlet 862 toward
the jet pump outlet 85.
In the jet pump 80, when the fuel is discharged from the nozzle
outlet 862 of the jet nozzle 86, the negative pressure is generated
between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84 to generate
the flow of fluid from the connector main body 61 to the jet pump
outlet 85 side through the jet pump inlet 84 and the jet pump main
body 81. At this time, the negative pressure, which is generated
between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84, is applied
to the connector inlet 64. Therefore, the negative pressure, which
is generated by the fuel pump 7, and the negative pressure, which
is generated by the jet pump 80, are applied to the connector inlet
64. In this way, the fuel suction amount of the fuel pump 7 can be
increased.
Thus, even when the fuel in the fuel tank 3 deviates toward one
side at the time of turning the vehicle 1 or the time of
accelerating or decelerating the vehicle 1 in the state where the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank 3 is relatively small, the fuel,
which remains in the cavity 410 of the suction filter 40, can be
more reliably suctioned into the fuel pump 7 to provide the
sufficient amount of fuel to the engine 2.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the jet pump 80
includes the venturi tube 87, which is located between the jet pump
outlet 58 and the nozzle outlet 862 placed in the inside of the jet
pump main body 81 while the venture tube 87 has the inner diameter
that is smaller than the inner diameter of the jet pump main body.
Thereby, the negative pressure generating effect can be exerted
between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84. Thus, the
fuel suction amount of the fuel pump 7 can be increased.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the nozzle outlet 862 and
the venturi tube 87 are coaxial to each other. Therefore, it is
possible to reduce the resistance, which is exerted against the
fuel at the time of passing through the venturi tube 87 upon the
discharging of the fuel from the nozzle outlet 862. Thereby, the
negative pressure can be further effectively generated between the
nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84. Thus, the fuel suction
amount of the fuel pump 7 can be further increased.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in a state where the filter
module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump outlet 85 is
vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction filter 40 in
the vertical direction. Therefore, the fuel, which is discharged
from the jet pump outlet 85, flows to or falls on the upper part of
the suction filter 40. Thus, the fuel, which is discharged from the
jet pump outlet 85, can be suctioned into the cavity 410 once again
through the suction filter 40.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the
filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump inlet
84 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the horizontal
plane hp1, which extends through the connector outlet 65, in the
vertical direction. Therefore, the air (air bubbles), which is
contained in the fuel, can be guided preferentially to the jet pump
80 side. Thereby, it is possible to limit the flow of the air,
which is contained in the fuel, to the connector outlet 65 side.
Thus, it is possible to limit the suctioning of the air, which is
contained in the fuel, into the fuel pump 7.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the connector main body 61
includes the bent portion 67, which is bent and is placed between
the connector inlet 64 and the connector outlet 65. The connector
opening portion 66 is formed at the bent portion 67. Therefore, the
jet pump inlet 84 can be easily positioned on the upper side of the
horizontal plane hp1 in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the
filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the jet pump inlet
84 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the horizontal
plane hp2, which passes the filter opening portion 411, in the
vertical direction. Therefore, the air (the air bubbles), which is
contained in the fuel that flows in the filter opening portion 411,
can be preferentially guided to the jet pump 80 side. Thereby, it
is possible to further limit the suctioning of the air, which is
contained in the fuel, into the fuel pump 7.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jet pump inlet 84 and
the filter opening portion 411 are coaxial to each other. As a
result, the air (the air bubbles), which is contained in the fuel
that flows in the filter opening portion 411, can be preferentially
guided to the jet pump 80 side. Thereby, it is possible to further
limit the suctioning of the air, which is contained in the fuel,
into the fuel pump 7. Furthermore, the negative pressure, which is
generated by the jet pump 80, can be further effectively exerted at
the filter opening portion 411 and the connector inlet 64.
Furthermore, there is provided the check valve 91. The check valve
91 is placed in the inside of the jet pump main body 81. The check
valve 91 enables the flow of the fuel from the jet pump inlet 84
side toward the jet pump outlet 85 side and limits the flow of the
fuel from the jet pump outlet 85 side toward the jet pump inlet 84
side. The check valve 91 can suppress the flow of the fuel from the
jet pump outlet 85 side toward the jet pump inlet 84 side. That is,
it is possible to limit the backflow of the fuel at the jet pump
inlet 84.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there is also provided the
limiter valve 94. The limiter valve 94 is placed adjacent to the
connector inlet 64. The limiter valve 94 enables the flow of the
fuel from the cavity 410 side toward the connector outlet 65 side
and limits the flow of the fuel from the connector outlet 65 side
toward the cavity 410 side. The limiter valve 94 can suppress the
flow of the fuel from the connector outlet 65 side toward the
cavity 410 side. That is, the backflow of the fuel at the connector
inlet 64 can be limited.
Furthermore, the fuel pump module 6 of the present embodiment
includes the filter module 8 and the fuel pump 7. The fuel pump 7
includes the suction inlet 21. The suction inlet 21 is configured
to suction the fuel and is connected to the connector outlet 65.
The suction filter 40 is shaped into the planar form. The fuel pump
7 is shaped into the elongated form and is placed such that the
longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7 is parallel to the
direction of the plane of the suction filter 40.
In the present embodiment, since the filter module 8 is provided,
it is possible to increase the fuel suction amount of the fuel pump
7. Furthermore, the fuel pump 7 is placed such that the
longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7 is parallel to the
direction of the plane of the suction filter 40. Therefore, the
fuel pump module 6 can be easily inserted into the fuel tank 3
through the tank opening portion 4 and can be compactly placed in
the inside of the fuel tank 3. The filter opening portion 411 is
formed in the filter screen 41 at the location that is remote from
the center of the filter screen 41, i.e., is decentered from the
center of the filter screen 41, so that the distance between the
connector inlet 64 and the end part of the cavity 410 of the filter
screen 41 becomes relatively long. The filter module 8 of the
present embodiment can increase the fuel suction amount of the fuel
pump 7. Therefore, even if the distance between the connector inlet
64 and the end part of the cavity 410 of the filter screen 41 is
long, the fuel pump 7 can reliably suction the remaining fuel in
the cavity 410. Therefore, the present embodiment is suitable for
the fuel pump module 6 that has the above-described structure.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the fuel
pump module 6 is placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3, the fuel
pump 7 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction
filter 40 in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the fuel
pump module 6 is placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3, the
suction filter 40 is arranged such that the direction of the plane
is along the horizontal direction. The fuel pump 7 is placed such
that the longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7 is along the
horizontal direction.
Therefore, the fuel pump module 6 can be compactly placed in the
inside of the fuel tank 3. Furthermore, the fuel, which is
accumulated at the bottom portion of the fuel tank 3, can be
effectively suctioned through the suction filter 40.
Second Embodiment
FIGS. 3A and 3B show a fuel pump module according to a second
embodiment of the present disclosure. The second embodiment differs
from the first embodiment with respect to a location of the jet
pump 80.
According to the second embodiment, there are further provided
hoses 17, 18. The hoses 17, 18 are shaped into a tubular form or a
bellows form and have flexibility. The hose 17 connects between the
connector opening portion 66 and a jet pump inlet 84. That is, the
jet pump inlet 84 is connected to the connector main body 61 of the
connector 60 through the hose 17.
The hose 18 connects between the discharge outlet 22 of the fuel
pump 7 and the nozzle inlet 861 of the jet pump 80.
With the above construction, the fuel, which is discharged from the
discharge outlet 22 of the fuel pump 7, flows into the nozzle inlet
861 through the hose 18 and is discharged from the nozzle outlet
862. In this way, the negative pressure is generated between the
nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84, and the fluid in the
inside of the connector main body 61 is conducted to the jet pump
80 side through the hose 17. At this time, the negative pressure,
which is generated between the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump
inlet 84, is exerted at the connector inlet 64 through the hose 17.
Therefore, the negative pressure, which is generated by the fuel
pump 7, and the negative pressure, which is generated by the jet
pump 80, are exerted at the connector inlet 64.
The fuel passage 15 connects between the discharge outlet 22 of the
fuel pump 7 and the engine 2. The pressure regulator 11 is placed
in the fuel passage 15. When the pressure of the fuel in the fuel
passage 15 becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value,
the pressure regulator 11 discharges the fuel of the fuel passage
15 through the outlet 112. In this way, the pressure of the fuel of
the fuel passage 15, i.e., the fuel to be supplied to the engine 2
is kept to the predetermined value.
In the present embodiment, the jet pump 80 is arranged such that
the axis of the jet nozzle 86 and the axis of the jet pump outlet
85 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7.
In the installed state where the filter module 8 is installed to
the fuel pump 7, the jet pump 80 is vertically positioned on a
lower side of a horizontal plane hp3, which extends through an
uppermost part of the fuel pump 7, in the vertical direction (see
FIG. 3B). Furthermore, when the fuel pump module 6 is viewed from
the upper side in the vertical direction, the jet pump 80 is placed
on an inner side of an outer periphery of the case 50 (see FIG.
3A).
Also, in the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment,
the nozzle outlet 862 and the venturi tube 87 are coaxial to each
other. In the present embodiment, the jet nozzle 86, the nozzle
outlet 862 and the venturi tube 87 are arranged such that the axis
of the jet nozzle 86, the axis of the nozzle outlet 862 and the
axis of the venturi tube 87 coincide with the axis Ax1 of the jet
pump outlet 85.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there is also provided a
wall portion 95. The wall portion 95 is formed such that the wall
portion 95 is in a plate form and extends upwardly from the upper
case 51 of the case 50 in the vertical direction. The wall portion
95 is vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction filter
40 in the vertical direction and is located along the axis Ax1 of
the jet pump outlet 85 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Therefore, the fuel,
which is discharged from the jet pump outlet 85, collides against
the wall portion 95 and then flows to or falls on the upper part of
the suction filter 40 through the case opening portion 512 of the
upper case 51.
In the second embodiment, the remaining structure, which is other
than the above described features, is the same as that of the first
embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the features, which are the same as those
of the first embodiment, can achieve the same advantages as those
of the first embodiment.
As discussed above, according to the present embodiment, there is
further provided the hose 17. The hose 17 connects between the
connector opening portion 66 and the jet pump inlet 84. The hose 17
has the flexibility. Therefore, the jet pump 80 can be placed at
any position and any orientation relative to the fuel pump 7.
In the present embodiment, the jet pump 80 and the jet pump outlet
85 are arranged such that the axis of the jet nozzle 86 and the
axis of the jet pump outlet 85 are parallel to the longitudinal
direction of the fuel pump 7. Therefore, it is possible to limit
the jet pump 80 from protruding in the transverse direction of the
fuel pump 7. In this way, the fuel pump module 6 can be easily
installed into the inside of the fuel tank 3 through the tank
opening portion 4, and the fuel pump module 6 can be compactly
placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there is also provided the
wall portion 95. In the state where the fuel pump module 6 is
placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3, the wall portion 95 is
vertically positioned on the upper side of the suction filter 40 in
the vertical direction and is located along the axis Ax1 of the jet
pump outlet 85. Therefore, the fuel, which is discharged from the
jet pump outlet 85, collides against the wall portion 95 and then
flows to or falls on the upper part of the suction filter 40. Thus,
the fuel, which is discharged from the jet pump outlet 85, can be
suctioned into the cavity 410 once again through the suction filter
40.
Third Embodiment
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a fuel pump module according to a third
embodiment of the present disclosure. The third embodiment differs
from the first embodiment with respect to a location of the jet
pump 80.
In the third embodiment, the jet pump main body 81 includes an
inlet main body 811 and an outlet main body 812. The inlet main
body 811 and the outlet main body 812 are respectively shaped into
a substantially cylindrical tubular form and are formed integrally
in one piece such that an axis of the inlet main body 811 and an
axis of the outlet main body 812 are generally perpendicular to
each other. Specifically, the jet pump main body 81 is formed into
a substantially L-shape.
The jet pump inlet 84 is formed at an opposite end part of the
inlet main body 811, which is opposite from the outlet main body
812, that is, the jet pump inlet 84 is formed at one end part of
the jet pump main body 81. The jet pump main body 81 is formed such
that an outer wall of the one end part of the jet pump main body 81
is fitted to an inner wall of the tubular portion 631 of the
connector 60. In this way, the jet pump inlet 84 is joined to the
connector opening portion 66.
The jet pump outlet 85 is formed at an opposite end part of the
outlet main body 812, which is opposite from the inlet main body
811, that is, the jet pump outlet 85 is formed at the other end
part of the jet pump main body 81.
In the present embodiment, the jet pump 80 further includes a
tubular portion 813. The tubular portion 813 is formed integrally
with the jet pump main body 81 in one piece such that the tubular
portion 813 is in a substantially cylindrical tubular form and
extends from a connection between the inlet main body 811 and the
outlet main body 812 of the jet pump main body 81 toward the
opposite side that is opposite from the outlet main body 812. The
tubular portion 813 is coaxial with the outlet main body 812.
The jet nozzle 86 is placed in the inside of the tubular portion
813. Here, the nozzle outlet 862 is placed at the connection
between the inlet main body 811 and the outlet main body 812.
In the present embodiment, the vapor outlet hole 25 of the fuel
pump 7 is connected to the nozzle inlet 861 of the jet nozzle 86.
Therefore, the fuel, which includes the air (the air bubbles) and
is discharged from the vapor outlet hole 25, is discharged from the
nozzle outlet 862 toward the jet pump outlet 85 through the jet
nozzle 86. In this way, the negative pressure is generated between
the nozzle outlet 862 and the jet pump inlet 84.
The venturi tube 87 is formed integrally with the outlet main body
812 in one piece at the inside of the outlet main body 812.
In the present embodiment, the jet pump 80 is arranged such that
the axis of the jet nozzle 86 and the axis of the jet pump outlet
85 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7.
In the installed state where the filter module 8 is installed to
the fuel pump 7, the jet pump 80 is vertically positioned on the
lower side of the horizontal plane hp3, which extends through the
uppermost part of the fuel pump 7, in the vertical direction (see
FIG. 5). Furthermore, when the fuel pump module 6 is viewed from
the upper side in the vertical direction, the jet pump 80 is placed
on the inner side of the outer periphery of the case 50.
In the present embodiment, the outlet 112 of the pressure regulator
11 opens in the inside of the fuel tank 3.
Also, in the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment,
the nozzle outlet 862 and the venturi tube 87 are coaxial to each
other. In the present embodiment, the jet nozzle 86, the nozzle
inlet 861, the nozzle outlet 862 and the venturi tube 87 are
arranged such that the axis of the jet nozzle 86, the axis of the
nozzle inlet 861, the axis of the nozzle outlet 862 and the axis of
the venturi tube 87 coincide with the axis Ax1 of the jet pump
outlet 85.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, there is also
provided a wall portion 96. The wall portion 96 is shaped into a
plate form and upwardly extends from an outer peripheral edge part
of the case opening portion 511 of the upper case 51 in the
vertical direction. The wall portion 96 is vertically positioned on
the upper side of the suction filter 40 in the vertical direction
and is located along the axis Ax1 of the jet pump outlet 85 (see
FIG. 5). Therefore, the fuel, which is discharged from the jet pump
outlet 85, collides against the wall portion 96 and then flows to
or falls on the upper part of the suction filter 40 through the
case opening portion 511 of the upper case 51.
In the third embodiment, the remaining structure, which is other
than the above described features, is the same as that of the first
embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the features, which are the same as those
of the first embodiment, can achieve the same advantages as those
of the first embodiment.
As discussed above, in the present embodiment, the jet nozzle 86
and the jet pump outlet 85 are arranged such that the axis of the
jet nozzle 86 and the axis of the jet pump outlet 85 are parallel
to the longitudinal direction of the fuel pump 7. Therefore, it is
possible to limit the jet pump 80 from protruding in the transverse
direction of the fuel pump 7. In this way, the fuel pump module 6
can be easily installed into the inside of the fuel tank 3 through
the tank opening portion 4, and the fuel pump module 6 can be
compactly placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, there is also
provided the wall portion 96. In the state where the fuel pump
module 6 is placed in the inside of the fuel tank 3, the wall
portion 96 is placed on the upper side of the suction filter 40 in
the vertical direction and is located along the axis Ax1 of the jet
pump outlet 85. Therefore, the fuel, which is discharged from the
jet pump outlet 85, collides against the wall portion 96 and then
flows to or falls on the upper part of the suction filter 40. Thus,
the fuel, which is discharged from the jet pump outlet 85, can be
suctioned into the cavity 410 once again through the suction filter
40.
Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 6 shows a portion of a fuel pump module according to a fourth
embodiment of the present disclosure.
According to the fourth embodiment, there is further provided a
trapping filter 97. The trapping filter 97 is formed into a
substantially circular disk form by, for example, a coarse nonwoven
fabric. The trapping filter 97 is placed between the connector
opening portion 66 and the connector outlet 65 in the inside of the
connector main body 61. More specifically, the trapping filter 97
is placed adjacent to the connector opening portion 66 located on
the inner side of the main body 83 such that the direction of the
plane of the trapping filter 97 is parallel to the axis of the main
body 62 and the axis of the tubular portion 631. The trapping
filter 97 is coaxial with the suction inlet 21.
The trapping filter 97 can capture the air (the air bubbles)
contained in the fuel that passes through the trapping filter 97.
The air, which is captured by the trapping filter 97, moves upward
in the vertical direction and is guided to the connector opening
portion 66 and the jet pump inlet 84.
In the fourth embodiment, the remaining structure, which is other
than the above described features, is the same as that of the first
embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, the features, which are the same as those
of the first embodiment, can achieve the same advantages as those
of the first embodiment.
As discussed above, according to the present embodiment, there is
further provided the trapping filter 97. The trapping filter 97 is
placed between the connector opening portion 66 and the connector
outlet 65 in the inside of the connector main body 61 and is
capable of capturing the air contained in the fuel. The air, which
is captured by the trapping filter 97, moves upward in the vertical
direction and is guided to the connector opening portion 66 and the
jet pump inlet 84. Thus, the air (the air bubbles), which is
contained in the fuel flowing in the vicinity of the connector
opening portion 66, can be preferentially guided to the jet pump 80
side. Thereby, it is possible to further limit the suctioning of
the air, which is contained in the fuel, into the fuel pump 7.
Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 7 shows a portion of a fuel pump module according to a fifth
embodiment of the present disclosure.
According to the fifth embodiment, there is further provided a
plate portion 98. The plate portion 98 is made of, for example,
resin and is shaped into a plate form. The plate portion 98 is
placed between the connector opening portion 66 and the connector
outlet 65 in the inside of the connector main body 61. More
specifically, in a state where the state where the filter module 8
is installed to the fuel pump 7, the plate portion 98 vertically
downwardly tilts from an end part of the connector opening portion
66 located on the connector outlet 65 side. Here, the axis of the
main body 62, the axis of the tubular portion 631 and the axis Ax2
of the suction inlet 21 extend through the plate portion 98.
The fuel, which is fed into the connector main body 61 through the
filter opening portion 411 and the connector inlet 64, is guided by
the plate portion 98 toward the connector outlet 65. At this time,
the air (the air bubbles), which is contained in the fuel passing
along the plate portion 98, passes through a gap between the plate
portion 98 and the inner wall of the main body 63 and flows to the
connector opening portion 66 and the jet pump inlet 84.
In the fifth embodiment, the remaining structure, which is other
than the above described features, is the same as that of the first
embodiment.
In the fifth embodiment, the features, which are the same as those
of the first embodiment, can achieve the same advantages as those
of the first embodiment.
As discussed above, according to the present embodiment, there is
further provided the plate portion 98. The plate portion 98 is
placed between the connector opening portion 66 and the connector
outlet 65 in the inside of the connector main body 61. In the state
where the filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump 7, the
plate portion 98 vertically downwardly tilts from the end part of
the connector opening portion 66 located on the connector outlet 65
side.
The fuel, which is fed into the connector main body 61 through the
filter opening portion 411 and the connector inlet 64, is guided by
the plate portion 98 toward the connector outlet 65. At this time,
the air (the air bubbles), which is contained in the fuel passing
along the plate portion 98, passes through the gap between the
plate portion 98 and the inner wall of the main body 63 and flows
to the connector opening portion 66 and the jet pump inlet 84.
Thus, the air (the air bubbles), which is contained in the fuel
flowing in the vicinity of the connector opening portion 66, can be
preferentially guided to the jet pump 80 side. Thereby, it is
possible to further limit the suctioning of the air, which is
contained in the fuel, into the fuel pump 7.
Other Embodiments
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle outlet
862 and the venturi tube 87 may not be coaxial with each other.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
jet pump 80 may not have the venturi tube 87.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, in
the state where the filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump
7, the jet pump outlet 85 may not be vertically positioned on the
upper side of the suction filter 40 in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, in
the state where the filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump
7, the jet pump inlet 84 may not be vertically positioned on the
upper side of the horizontal plane hp1, which extends through the
connector outlet 65, in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, in
the state where the filter module 8 is installed to the fuel pump
7, the jet pump inlet 84 may not be vertically positioned on the
upper side of the horizontal plane hp2, which extends through
filter opening portion 411, in the vertical direction.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
jet pump inlet 84 and the filter opening portion 411 may not be
coaxial with each other.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, at
least one of the valve seat portion 92 and the support portion 93
may not be formed integrally with the jet pump main body 81 in one
piece. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the check valve 91, the valve seat portion 92 and the
support portion 93 may be eliminated.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
limiter valve 94 may be eliminated.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
fuel pump 7 and the filter module 8 may be placed at any
orientation.
In the second and third embodiments, there is described the example
where there is the wall portion 95, 96 that extends upward from the
case 50 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, in another
embodiment of the present disclosure, the wall portion may be
provided to, for example, the jet pump main body 81 as long as the
wall portion is vertically positioned on the upper side of the
suction filter 40 in the vertical direction and is plocated along
the axis Ax1 of the jet pump outlet 85.
Furthermore, in the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments,
there is described the example where the main body 62 and the main
body 63 of the connector main body 61 are formed separately from
each other. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the main body 62 and the main body 63 may be formed
integrally in one piece. In this case, the number of the components
can be reduced.
Furthermore, in the first, fourth and fifth embodiments, the main
body 82 and the main body 83 of the jet pump main body 81 are
formed separately from each other. Alternatively, in another
embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body 82 and the main
body 83 may be formed integrally in one piece. In this case, the
number of the components can be reduced. Furthermore, the main body
83 and the jet nozzle 86 are formed separately.
Furthermore, in another embodiment, the connector 60 and at least a
portion of the jet pump main body 81 located on the jet pump inlet
84 side may be formed integrally in one piece.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
material of the filter screen 41 is not necessarily limited to the
nonwoven fabric. For example, the filter screen 41 may be made of a
multilayered mesh screen made of, for example, polyamide resin.
Furthermore, the filter screen 41 may be made of any type of
material as long as the material is capable of capturing the
foreign objects contained in the fuel.
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
material of the trapping filter 97 is not necessarily limited to
the nonwoven fabric. For example, the trapping filter 97 may be
made of, for example, a mesh screen made of resin (e.g., polyamide
resin) or metal.
Furthermore, the filter module 8 and the fuel pump module 6 of the
present disclosure are not necessarily applied to the fuel tank of
the vehicle. For example, the filter module 8 and the fuel pump
module 6 of the present disclosure may be applied to a fuel tank of
another type of transport such as a ship or an airplane.
As described above, the present disclosure should not be limited to
above embodiments and may be implemented in various other forms
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure has been described in accordance with the
embodiments. However, the present disclosure should not be limited
to the embodiments and the structures described above. The present
disclosure also encompasses various modifications and variations
within the scope of equivalents. Also, various combinations and
forms as well as other combinations, each of which includes only
one element or more or less of the various combinations, are also
within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
* * * * *